9th May 2023
Arts & Crafts: A Spotter's Guide
Unique, quirky and beautiful, Arts and Crafts houses always stand out from the bunch. Their unusual and eccentric designs mean that they make weird and wonderful backdrops, which is why we’re so fond of them in the film and photography world. No two are the same, and they all have hidden histories founded by some of architecture’s wackiest visionaries.
Mid-19th Century Britain was dominated by machine production. The industrial revolution was in full swing, and the quality of goods and social conditions had dropped. William Morris, inspired by Tennyson’s poems and Ruskin’s worried criticisms of Victorian society, decided something should be done about the disappearance of creative arts and founded Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Co., which he and his colleagues referred to as ‘the Firm’. Medieval methods were at the heart of the business, and it became known for metalwork, furniture, carving, murals and stained glass windows.
Although the movement took pride in a lack of uniformity, and there were no ‘rules’ for architecture in terms of style, there are a few quirks that appear in many Arts and Crafts houses across the UK. Exposed beams were often used to reflect the natural world, and wide, open-plan layouts were common, a stark contrast to the boxy, contained rooms of the Victorian era. Large rooms with big windows were seen to encourage a greater connection with nature and the outdoors. Fireplaces also served to unify the space, and built-in furniture such as wardrobes and window seats helped showcase that the house’s design was truly unique. Bespoke craftsmanship was at the core of this kind of architecture.
Designed by C.F.A. Voysey in 1901, RES-11708 is an elegant Arts and Crafts house that remains almost unchanged inside and out. Many of its architectural features are the first examples seen within the movement, such as the porch-like loggia with a wide, elegant archway. The irregularity of the structure was meant to free the architecture from symmetry and order, and Voysey’s trademark accent colours feature throughout the interior walls. At this particular property, the interior remains unaltered and nearly empty, making it an ideal location for historical shoots.
RES-11708, an Arts & Crafts house in Rutland designed by C.F.A.Voysey
Considered one of the greatest works of architecture in the country, CH-8471 is perhaps the most famous Arts and Crafts house in England. Built in 1903 and designed by E.S. Prior, the house has been lovingly restored to its former glory by the current owners. To pay homage to the values of the movement, each room was designed by a different artist, and the house is crammed full of weird and wonderful decor and artefacts, including beautiful commissioned mosaics. The structure of the house follows the shape of a butterfly, with the exterior walls as extensively decorated as the inside. Another loggia leads down to the formal gardens, which have also been restored, and the house is surrounded by 11 acres of woodland.
CH-8471, an Arts and Crafts house in Norfolk desgined by E. S. Prior
RES-10606 is another example of Arts and Crafts at its finest - designed by architect Detmar Blow between 1914 and 1916, it was heavily inspired by the work and ideas of William Morris and John Ruskin. Filled with bespoke furnishings and artwork, the movement even inspired the usage of the house - the architect’s grandson and his wife, Isabella Blow, have ensured that the property has continued to attract creativity, with Isabella becoming a pioneer of the fashion industry herself. She ‘discovered’ many great artists and designers, including Alexander Mcqueen, who cites the house as a place of great inspiration. Tracey Emin and Tim Burton, as well as models Stella Tennant and Sophie Dahl are just a few of the creatives whom the house has hosted over the years. To this day, the house hosts cinema events, exhibitions, musical groups and art installations, and is available for film and photography shoots.
RES-10606, an Arts and Crafts mansion in Gloucestershire, designed by Detmar Blow
Filled with bespoke furnishings and unique decor, Arts and Crafts houses make ideal locations for film shoots, encapsulating an era of quirky, creative thinkers and a break from Victorian uniformity.
Have a look at our Arts and Crafts section to see more of these incredible handmade houses. If you have an Arts and Crafts house of your own which you think would make a great film location, please Register Your Property or get in touch with us on info@amazingspace.co.uk.